history.htm

The Golden Ball

Snatchems

Snatch'em by the Lune.

This hostelry is rather unusual - it has two names, both of which are steeped in the 
history of the local area.

The pub was named The Golden Ball in the 16th Century because of the golden glow 
cast by the sun rising over the Trough of Bowland, shimmering on the River Lune 
and bathing the pub in a golden glow.

The area was once known locally as "Thatchems", because the houses around 
Lancaster used to be thatched with reeds from the riverbed and the thatchers used
to gather at the pub for food and drink. 
There is still, to this day, a piece of the old thatched roof in the ceiling above the front 
of the bar.

The origin of the name "Snatchems", by which the pub is affectionately known locally,
stems from Lancaster's days as a major port, when short-handed sailing ships would 
put a press gang ashore who would buy the locals a round of drinks. 
The poor local who finished his beer to find the Queen's Shilling at the bottom of his 
tankard was destined for a trip to the Americas. 

The locals got wise to this, however, and the tankards were made with glass bottoms 
so that the shilling could be seen and the drink refused. 
As years went by, the tankards became all glass. A selection of the original tankards 
is on display behind the bar.

The Golden Ball is still largely unchanged since the days of the press gangs, but rest 
assured there will be no Queen's Shilling at the bottom of your glass, just warm
hospitality, good food and a genuine desire to please.